Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
cat safety reference
Is Lily of the Valley safe for cats?
Convallaria majalis
Lily of the Valley is a popular spring-flowering perennial known for its fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers. It contains cardiac glycosides that are highly toxic to pets if ingested.
Convallaria majalisLily of the ValleyMay bells
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Habit
- Rhizomatous perennial
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Lily of the valley is a cardiac emergency for cats — not a stomach-ache plant. Every part (leaves, flowers, berries, and the vase water) contains cardiac glycosides that disrupt heart rhythm. Treat any suspected ingestion as urgent, even if your cat seems fine right now.
What to watch for
Earliest: vomiting, drooling, and lethargy. Quickly progressing to slow or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, disorientation, weakness, and in severe cases seizures or collapse. Heart and GI signs together after garden access are a major red flag.
Time window
Pet Poison Helpline reports clinical signs typically begin within the first 2 hours after exposure and can persist 4–5 days during treatment.
When to call the vet
Call your vet, ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435), or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately — do not wait for symptoms to worsen. ECG monitoring and supportive care are usually required.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, disorientation, and potential seizures.
Escalation note
This plant is considered highly toxic. Ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Contact your veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Convallaria majalis is a rhizomatous perennial that is highly toxic to humans and animals.
Questions about Lily of the Valley
Is Lily of the Valley toxic to cats?
Yes, Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is highly toxic to cats. It contains cardiac glycosides that can cause life-threatening heart arrhythmias, and ingestion of any part of the plant — flowers, leaves, or roots — is considered a veterinary emergency.
What are the symptoms of Lily of the Valley poisoning in cats?
Early signs include vomiting, drooling, and lethargy, typically appearing within 2 hours of exposure. These can rapidly progress to slow or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, disorientation, weakness, and in severe cases seizures or collapse. Heart and GI symptoms together after garden access are a major red flag.
What should I do if my cat ate Lily of the Valley?
Call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear or worsen. Cats with significant exposure typically require ECG monitoring and supportive care, and clinical signs can persist 4–5 days during treatment.
How much Lily of the Valley is dangerous to a cat?
No safe amount is known — ingestion of any part of the plant is considered potentially life-threatening due to its cardiac glycoside content. The severity notes from this plant's toxicity profile explicitly state that any ingestion can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
Same cat verdict
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